Debunked Myths in Speech Therapy: What Families Should Know
By: Expansion Speech Therapy
At Expansion Speech Therapy, we know that parents and caregivers often hear a lot of mixed messages about speech and language development. Between online articles, well-meaning relatives, and playground chatter, it can be tough to sort fact from fiction. The truth is, many of these “common-sense” beliefs are actually myths that research has repeatedly debunked.
Here are some of the most frequent myths we hear in our practice and the science-based facts that set the record straight.
Myth 1: “They’ll grow out of it.”
The truth: While some late talkers catch up on their own, research shows that many children do not simply “grow out of it.” Early intervention matters. Waiting can allow small gaps to become bigger struggles in school and social settings. A “wait and see” approach may feel easier in the moment, but timely evaluation ensures children do not miss out on support when it counts most.
Myth 2: Bilingualism causes speech or language delays.
The truth: Growing up with more than one language does not cause delays. In fact, bilingual children follow the same developmental milestones as their monolingual peers. Mixing words between languages is completely normal and part of healthy bilingual development. Unfortunately, bilingual children are sometimes misidentified as “delayed” when in reality they are developing exactly as expected.
Myth 3: Teaching a baby sign language will stop them from talking.
The truth: Gestures and sign language are stepping stones to communication, not barriers. Using signs can reduce frustration, strengthen language pathways, and may even support earlier spoken language development. Over time, children naturally transition from signs to words as their speech develops.
Myth 4: Speech therapy is only about fixing speech sounds.
The truth: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) do so much more than help with articulation or lisps. We also support children and adults with:
- Language comprehension and expression
- Social communication
- Fluency (stuttering)
- Voice disorders
- Feeding and swallowing challenges
- Cognitive-communication skills
- Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC)
Our field is broad and designed to meet the needs of the whole communicator.
Myth 5: Speech therapy is only for children.
The truth: Communication matters at every stage of life. Adults benefit from speech therapy too, especially those recovering from a stroke, managing a neurological condition, or working through voice or cognitive-communication changes. Therapy can restore skills, build strategies, and improve quality of life well into adulthood.
Myth 6: Speech therapy is just “play.”
The truth: Especially for children, therapy often looks like play, but every game, toy, or activity is carefully chosen to target specific goals. Play is not a distraction from therapy, it is therapy. Research shows that play-based learning is an evidence-based, developmentally appropriate approach that engages children in meaningful communication practice.
Final Thoughts
At Expansion Speech Therapy, our mission is to provide child-centered, neuro-affirming therapy that empowers every communicator. By letting go of these myths and focusing on what research tells us, families can feel confident in seeking support at the right time.
If you have questions about your child’s speech or language development or your own communication needs, reach out. We are here to help.
References
Byers-Heinlein, K., Burns, T. C., & Werker, J. F. (2013). Bilingualism in the early years: What the science says. Cognition, 127(1), 11–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cognition.2013.01.008
McDaniel, J. E., Hunter, L. L., Richards, T., Schrader, J., & Chiaravalloti, N. (2023). Speech-language pathologists’ endorsement of speech, language, and literacy myths. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_LSHSS-22-00087
Peña, E. D., Bedore, L. M., Boerger, K. M., Fabiano-Smith, L., Zlatic-Giunta, R., & Castellanos, N. (2023). Exploring assumptions of the bilingual delay in children. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 66(4), 1234–1247. https://doi.org/10.1044/2023_JSLHR-23-00117
